Help please! 8 week old squirrel rescued Monday

[MissyPogo10]

Hi there! We rescued an estimated 8 week old squirrel Monday we belive he fell from his nest but the mother never came to get him. (We are guessing it's a male)

When found he wasn't really able to walk without being very wobbly on solid ground. He still is wobbly it looks like the one toe on his back foot is broken but he doesn't act like it hurts. He eats pretty well without issue. Sleeps a lot. Can climb pretty well, today (Wednesday afternoon) was the first time I really witnessed him climbing like crazy around. I belive he was doing that to avoid urinating inside of his area because there was a darker colored liquid all outside of the birdcage.

He is not very interested in rodent blocks but has access to them. Any suggestion on why he is unsteady and what I can do to help with this.

He has been bathed because he had what we belive were fleas. They do not appear to have come back. I can share a video if that would help with him walking.

I don't think he has rabbies or anything from my research he doesn't really have those symptoms. He isn't aggressive or having drooling. He takes formula and water okay but I've never really been around a squirrel this close so my evaluation could be completely off. We would really like to rehabilitate this baby if we can. The local wildlife center is full and would euthanize him from my understanding.

We live in the rural area of Pittsburgh. We have other animals and a child, she doesn't hold him and I keep everything sanitary. I just want to make sure we are doing things safely and correctly.

[Spanky]

No need to worry about rabies, squirrels are not a rabies vector species.

Videos (you'll need to post a link her to youtube or something because TSB doesn't support videos) would be helpful, always helpful.

What type of formula is he getting?

What type of rodent blocks is he provided?

[supersquirrelgirl]

Surprising to see a 8 week old wild squirrel be that passive. Even lets you bathe him. WOW! I hear many times at that age, they are frightened and bite as defense reaction.

How high was his fall ?? Could his wobbles be a minor injury or soreness from the fall ?? Sounds like he can climb good and jump around in the trees.

Doubt he has rabies. Never heard of a squirrel with rabies.....

So you know where his nest is and he doesn't go back ?? Hmmm....interesting.

You have him in a cage now ??

[MissyPogo10]

No need to worry about rabies, squirrels are not a rabies vector species.

Videos (you'll need to post a link her to youtube or something because TSB doesn't support videos) would be helpful, always helpful.

What type of formula is he getting?

What type of rodent blocks is he provided?

Thank you!

Esbilac formula 2 water to 1 powder ratio. He eats a little more than 10ml

Oxbow young rodent blocks

The fur on his tail looks completely filled in so that's what made our guess around 8 weeks

He sleeps alot but it didn't strike me as abnormal but I was reading that might not be as normal as I thought.

I will get a video and post youtube link.

[supersquirrelgirl]

in addition, maybe post a close-up picture here.

When you say rescued was this squirrel laying on ground or walking around ??

[MissyPogo10]

Surprising to see a 8 week old wild squirrel be that passive. Even lets you bathe him. WOW! I hear many times at that age, they are frightened and bite as defense reaction.

How high was his fall ?? Could his wobbles be a minor injury or soreness from the fall ?? Sounds like he can climb good and jump around in the trees.

Doubt he has rabies. Never heard of a squirrel with rabies.....

So you know where his nest is and he doesn't go back ?? Hmmm....interesting.

You have him in a cage now ??

I belive his fall was VERY high the tree he was near was massive. We did not see his fall, we were at a cookout of a family member and saw him wobbling in a ditch in the road. Everyone went over they were trying to move him with paper plates and such, to which I yelled "stop it's a baby" and my husband scooped him up. We watched him near the base of the tree for over an hour the mom didnt come but a lot of cats were lurking. We didnt see the nest, the tree was a guess. We brought him home, and he is in a large bird cage. Heating pad towels to nest in. He is quite friendly, he has nibbled my husband but not in an aggressive way. More so of "I'm climbing this lady can't you let me" he let's me wipe him after his feelings and everything. We couldn't leave him to be attacked so he's here until he can make it on his own.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Honestly, strange behavior for an 8 week squirrel. We have a yard full of wilds and ALL the young, both grey and foxes, are jumpy as hell when around people. Older ones come right up and sit next to us.

Curious to see your video and/or picture.

Could this juvi (8 weeks) just be hungry (lost) and walking around ?? Not fall from tree ?? Our yard gang here comes 1000 feet to our backyard and lay around.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Another good datapoint is weight. Do you have a small kitchen scale that measures in grams ??

[MissyPogo10]

in addition, maybe post a close-up picture here.

When you say rescued was this squirrel laying on ground or walking around ??


He wasn't able to walk much or go very far. Most animals that are weary of people tend to be okay with my husband and myself so I don't find that too out of the ordinary. I'm a petsitter and work with all different animals, we have all kinds here and had a chinchilla years ago, I also used to keep pet rats. We have rabbits chickens ducks cats dogs reptiles fish lol


I noticed when I set him on the hard floor he was keeping his front left paw up I'm thinking it's Injured. Here is the youtube video. Please ignore my dog whining I closed him in the room next to where I was and he was mad.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Z_Emygzk15Y?si=dDJj_HbgM3Q92ht6
https://youtube.com/shorts/Z_Emygzk15Y?si=dDJj_HbgM3Q92ht6

[MissyPogo10]

Another good datapoint is weight. Do you have a small kitchen scale that measures in grams ??

He was 127 grams when we took him in on Monday. I haven't weighed him today but I can do so with his next feeding in an hour.

[MissyPogo10]

Can you see the video in my Reply to supersquirrelgirl?

I haven't used forums like this in a very very very long time so please forgive me if I'm not posting g properly or having bad etiquette

[supersquirrelgirl]

WOW...looks like a brain injury of some kind. Notice the spinning and balance issues. Some thing is seriously wrong.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Can you see the video in my Reply to supersquirrelgirl?

I haven't used forums like this in a very very very long time so please forgive me if I'm not posting g properly or having bad etiquette

No worries....You're doing great!

[MissyPogo10]

WOW...looks like a brain injury of some kind. Notice the spinning and balance issues. Some thing is seriously wrong.

I think he was a little panicked he doesn't usually spin around. He just wobbles and falls over when walking on hard surfaces. He's fine climbing and walking on towel.

Something may be seriously wrong, but I'm going to do my best to give him a chance...

[supersquirrelgirl]

i can't tell if one of the front arms is injured or not. He is trying so hard to stabilize himself from spinning.

If this was a high fall, he may have brain injury. Let me get 2nd opinion here.

[MissyPogo10]

i can't tell if one of the front arms is injured or not. He is trying so hard to stabilize himself from spinning.

If this was a high fall, he may have brain injury. Let me get 2nd opinion here.

He was spinning because my dog was being loud and I don't usually put him on the hard tile. That was the best I could get of his movement. He walks unbalanced and initially I thought it was his back foot because the toe was doing a weird thing when he was eating. Upon closer inspection he did not want to use that arm, and he was being noisy when I was checking it after the video. No wounds, but i don't know what broken squirrel bones would feel like

[supersquirrelgirl]

was he wobbling (spinning/drooping) like this when you found him ??

in the ditch

[MissyPogo10]

was he wobbling (spinning/drooping) like this when you found him ??

in the ditch


He was not spinning. (That is the only time he has ever spun when I took the video right now)
When we found him he was trying to walk but kept falling over. Worse than he is now he wasn't even sitting upright on Monday he would take a couple steps then fall.

[MissyPogo10]

was he wobbling (spinning/drooping) like this when you found him ??

in the ditch

Today was also the first time he climbed. Which he did well mostly but I wasn't paying attention to that left arm to take notice.

[supersquirrelgirl]

maybe on tile floor, he can't get a grip.

walking and falling over is very unnatural for a squirrel.

his actions and allowing to be captive are strange.

[MissyPogo10]

maybe on tile floor, he can't get a grip.

walking and falling over is very unnatural for a squirrel.

his actions and allowing to be captive are strange.

Yes, the falling over part was my concern and why I posted here. The allowing to be captive part not so much, as I know a couple people that have rescued squirrels locally around the same age and they were not feral and biting or going insane. The babies in my tree at home aren't as fearful as i would think they should be either. I dont know but I assume with most animals if they're unwell the captivity is the least of their worries if they are fed and warm.

I'm posting here to see if anyone has any suggestions on what I can do to help him so that he can hopefully be released.

[supersquirrelgirl]

I'm going to slip away and get some other TSB people to watch video for their opinion. Be back soon!

[Spanky]

I am not so much worried if the front left paw might be injured, I would doubt it is anything that will not heal (if it is injured).

As mentioned, he looks like what we see with head injury, brain trauma babies. I'd need to see another video with him being calmer... maybe in a place away from Mr Angry Dog where things are quieter and more relaxed.

Based on that one video, his behavior and movements I have to think head trauma.

If you can see his eyes well, see if there is nystagmus, which is basically rapid eye movements (up, down, side to side and or circular movements).

Any chance you have or can obtain a pill or two of prednisone? Prednisilone? Or even dexamethasone? These are all steroids.

[supersquirrelgirl]

I just feel something is OFF here. Watching video, spins, shakes, almost rolls, this is not normal.

[MissyPogo10]

I am not so much worried if the front left paw might be injured, I would doubt it is anything that will not heal (if it is injured).

As mentioned, he looks like what we see with head injury, brain trauma babies. I'd need to see another video with him being calmer... maybe in a place away from Mr Angry Dog where things are quieter and more relaxed.

Based on that one video, his behavior and movements I have to think head trauma.

If you can see his eyes well, see if there is nystagmus, which is basically rapid eye movements (up, down, side to side and or circular movements).

Any chance you have or can obtain a pill or two of prednisone? Prednisilone? Or even dexamethasone? These are all steroids.




I can probably get my hands on something steroid wise I have access to people who can get it. Do you have anything dose wise you might be able to send?

Here he is in a much more calm state. No rapid eye movements. I'm sorry for the weird lighting it's the lamp in our gameroom.

He finished his amount but his belly w
Felt like he could take a little more but he didn't want it. We were satisfied with what he ate. He's a good eater and does let us know when he's full belive it or not. I know that's not common. By his belly size, he's usually right.

https://youtu.be/AqSa_iB-8YA?si=drnUyvSgjNNNhhfY


https://youtube.com/shorts/FAs7SMf_Cac?si=PO3xR6b9GEWwmTjT

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hello MissyPogo10 and others participating in this Thread:
I am at work and only have a moment and a thought or two. It seems that you found this about 3 days ago and he was exhibiting neurologic abnormal neurologic signs at that time. It also sounds as an injury or fall was not actually witnessed. The problems with coordination could certainly be from a head injury with a number of mechanisms; falls being quite common or even being struck by a vehicle. Are that any signs of trauma such as skin abrasions, lacerations, swelling or abnormal appearance of the limbs, spine or head?

Again, an injury may be the cause but what I am seeing in the video may also be from poisoning and a likely culprit IF this is truly from ingesting a poison would be Bromethalin. This is commonly used to poison "pests" but wildlife and household pets often come across some rodenticide that was left purposely, dropped unintentionally or even carried by mouth by a pet to the outside in which case Squirrels and other wildlife can also ingest some of this. IF this is Bromethalin poisoning, there is no recognized treatment but it should be appreciated the NOT every ingestion or even ingestions that cause significant signs of poisoning are fatal. Oftentimes a relatively small portion of a preparation containing Bromethalin is ingested and the animal may not die and the neurologic signs may or may not resolve or improve. There is no commonly available test for Bromethalin poisoning so ideally, other possibilities should be ruled out as best they can be and if this is Bromethalin poisoning, it is truly wait-and-see! I wish that I could offer more and I am very sorry for what this Little Squirrel is going through! Thank you, MissyPogo10 for rescuing this Squirrel and for taking care of him and loving him!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[MissyPogo10]

Hello MissyPogo10 and others participating in this Thread:
I am at work and only have a moment and a thought or two. It seems that you found this about 3 days ago and he was exhibiting neurologic abnormal neurologic signs at that time. It also sounds as an injury or fall was not actually witnessed. The problems with coordination could certainly be from a head injury with a number of mechanisms; falls being quite common or even being struck by a vehicle. Are that any signs of trauma such as skin abrasions, lacerations, swelling or abnormal appearance of the limbs, spine or head?

Again, an injury may be the cause but what I am seeing in the video may also be from poisoning and a likely culprit IF this is truly from ingesting a poison would be Bromethalin. This is commonly used to poison "pests" but wildlife and household pets often come across some rodenticide that was left purposely, dropped unintentionally or even carried by mouth by a pet to the outside in which case Squirrels and other wildlife can also ingest some of this. IF this is Bromethalin poisoning, there is no recognized treatment but it should be appreciated the NOT every ingestion or even ingestions that cause significant signs of poisoning are fatal. Oftentimes a relatively small portion of a preparation containing Bromethalin is ingested and the animal may not die and the neurologic signs may or may not resolve or improve. There is no commonly available test for Bromethalin poisoning so ideally, other possibilities should be ruled out as best they can be and if this is Bromethalin poisoning, it is truly wait-and-see! I wish that I could offer more and I am very sorry for what this Little Squirrel is going through! Thank you, MissyPogo10 for rescuing this Squirrel and for taking care of him and loving him!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Oh my gosh.... my aunt had two cats pass without cause or explanation. We were at her house. I have no way to know 100 percent if there is poison down nearby but this is suspicious not that you mentioned.

He seems as he is getting better daily in some ways. Idk what long term damage it could have done, please when you can look at the last two videos I posted. If he can get better on love alone he'd have a hell of a chance. We are doing our best, and thank you for just acknowledging that.


Anything I can give him to detox possible poison that won't harm him if that's not the case?

[Spanky]

Please be careful not to get this little one acclimated to dogs and / or cats, he needs to be afraid of them if he is to be released. Baby squirrels are not fearful of other animals, that is a learned behavior for squirrels and why they require a "soft release". That is something to worry about in a few months down the road though... As you found out they are not afraid of people, especially when separated from mom for any length of time. They will actually walk right up to people, even climb their leg (we call this "warm tree syndrome"). It is also why so many young squirrels are caught by dogs and cats... not because they are super predators, but because the babies have no fear and walk right up to them.

If you can get prednisone (or something else) that would be terrific in case it is decided this is a brain injury. I'll let a few more trusted members, and members of our triage group offer their opinions. As far as dosing the medication, should it come to that, we will provide detailed instructions and preparation, administration, etc. The weight of the squirrel is needed to dose the meds if that time comes.

If there is no nystagmus that is a good sign, but does not necessarily eliminate the possibility of a TBI.

Oxbow is not popular with squirrels, though nutritionally it is suitable. If you are inclined, Mazuri and Teklad seem to be better liked by squirrels (and a bit better nutrition wise than the Oxbox. Here are some links to those products:
https://www.amazon.com/Envigo-Formerly-Harlan-Teklad-GROWTH/dp/B00N0EPSLO/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-5nhCefeHWzdMi_FRRMuEHv9yxVdMKRJszSLb9xdDkcgHDCjLcB 6fABV9rWoDBh6.K6ee9z5g-BJH5E1WX6Xoj_LZWfppSTJC3__84sbWl58&dib_tag=se&keywords=nesom%2Bdistributing&qid=1725379073&sr=8-1&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Mazuri-Rat-Mouse-Food-lbs/dp/B00JR8K8DA/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oLCjHIaea74ZaPM9GBDOyW C7kT7iy4qZ9qtyY0xkTSaiAL27hz_VrxrvM_RkBq73EZO2kC7S D5aoltLFaI84hjIBfixHLM_3q59PMPhsz2IGbZHf5DM2TZCIuU O5oNimGTIrm16bIfNPq4-zbTgoSKetY5p9s29PJQAQp5cNTxeqBQIAqHXrXYYp_mYsZTFK9 eZB2gRY82aEpDHWUnGNmbltCfnjcARgEQ9S4U6Z8TP0OTGIoBB KlChpo1yp58ONfKt4J6vQjxgSWjXl2sVQ49KGf2GRO7SrLw02O uf6AOQ.2bpdeE7QhX5QRKhWH08a9su3U3vEHvkOry07WB067bo&dib_tag=se&keywords=mazuri%2Brodent&qid=1725497399&sr=8-1&th=1

And then there is Henry's Healthy Block (HHB), which are specifically designed for squirrels and as far as tasty, these are best received. If you decide to use Henry's, know they are a supplement block and only feeding 2 - 3 a day is necessary (and then healthy veggies and a little fruit). Get the Picky version (trust me).
https://henryspets.com/squirrel-blocks/

Regardless, rodent block should be the first and only solid foods and nothing else (solids wise) until they are eating (not simply shredding) the block. And no nuts for now and later only as treats, like gummy bears to a toddler. Formula is given for as long as they'll take it (self wean)! If feeding Oxbox, Mazuri or Teklad that should be about 80% of their diet.

Here are the foods we feed squirrels in addition to the rodent block.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Thank you for helping this little one!

[MissyPogo10]

Please be careful not to get this little one acclimated to dogs and / or cats, he needs to be afraid of them if he is to be released. Baby squirrels are not fearful of other animals, that is a learned behavior for squirrels and why they require a "soft release". That is something to worry about in a few months down the road though... As you found out they are not afraid of people, especially when separated from mom for any length of time. They will actually walk right up to people, even climb their leg (we call this "warm tree syndrome"). It is also why so many young squirrels are caught by dogs and cats... not because they are super predators, but because the babies have no fear and walk right up to them.

If you can get prednisone (or something else) that would be terrific in case it is decided this is a brain injury. I'll let a few more trusted members, and members of our triage group offer their opinions. As far as dosing the medication, should it come to that, we will provide detailed instructions and preparation, administration, etc. The weight of the squirrel is needed to dose the meds if that time comes.

If there is no nystagmus that is a good sign, but does not necessarily eliminate the possibility of a TBI.

Oxbow is not popular with squirrels, though nutritionally it is suitable. If you are inclined, Mazuri and Teklad seem to be better liked by squirrels (and a bit better nutrition wise than the Oxbox. Here are some links to those products:
https://www.amazon.com/Envigo-Formerly-Harlan-Teklad-GROWTH/dp/B00N0EPSLO/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-5nhCefeHWzdMi_FRRMuEHv9yxVdMKRJszSLb9xdDkcgHDCjLcB 6fABV9rWoDBh6.K6ee9z5g-BJH5E1WX6Xoj_LZWfppSTJC3__84sbWl58&dib_tag=se&keywords=nesom%2Bdistributing&qid=1725379073&sr=8-1&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Mazuri-Rat-Mouse-Food-lbs/dp/B00JR8K8DA/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oLCjHIaea74ZaPM9GBDOyW C7kT7iy4qZ9qtyY0xkTSaiAL27hz_VrxrvM_RkBq73EZO2kC7S D5aoltLFaI84hjIBfixHLM_3q59PMPhsz2IGbZHf5DM2TZCIuU O5oNimGTIrm16bIfNPq4-zbTgoSKetY5p9s29PJQAQp5cNTxeqBQIAqHXrXYYp_mYsZTFK9 eZB2gRY82aEpDHWUnGNmbltCfnjcARgEQ9S4U6Z8TP0OTGIoBB KlChpo1yp58ONfKt4J6vQjxgSWjXl2sVQ49KGf2GRO7SrLw02O uf6AOQ.2bpdeE7QhX5QRKhWH08a9su3U3vEHvkOry07WB067bo&dib_tag=se&keywords=mazuri%2Brodent&qid=1725497399&sr=8-1&th=1

And then there is Henry's Healthy Block (HHB), which are specifically designed for squirrels and as far as tasty, these are best received. If you decide to use Henry's, know they are a supplement block and only feeding 2 - 3 a day is necessary (and then healthy veggies and a little fruit). Get the Picky version (trust me).
https://henryspets.com/squirrel-blocks/

Regardless, rodent block should be the first and only solid foods and nothing else (solids wise) until they are eating (not simply shredding) the block. And no nuts for now and later only as treats, like gummy bears to a toddler. Formula is given for as long as they'll take it (self wean)! If feeding Oxbox, Mazuri or Teklad that should be about 80% of their diet.

Here are the foods we feed squirrels in addition to the rodent block.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Thank you for helping this little one!

You are a saint! I got a prednisone will weigh at next feeding. I'm ordering him new blocks. Can he have yogurt drops?


Fluids, should I give sugar or pedilate?


Thank you all so so much. He's just going to get our best, and I'm grateful to have a helpful little army. Idk what to do if he's just fine with a brain injury but will figure it out.

I make a loud noise and act scared when the cats or dogs are near. They won't hurt him themselves theyre very abnormal and gentle with creatures. but I want him to learn the instinct so we make a show of it.

Please anyone offer suggestions if what we do isn't enough. Skippy is away and out of reach so he hears them but isn't messed with

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hello Again,

Many of TSB experts have joined so we can give you best advice. Both new videos were helpful but first one was a little dark to see movement and coordination. In general, it was much less spinning. Good news on rapid eye movement.

Now on the 2nd video, I have some important comments. Thank you for using a miracle nipple. Now, its very important to feed squirrels with face down with syringe pointing up at 45 degrees; not like feedinga human babies. Main reason is to prevent any possibility of squirrel aspirating on formula and it going into their lungs. This can cause aspiration pneumonia A/P or if too much goes in lungs, the squirrel will not be able to breathe and will effectively drown. I'm sorry to say, but I worked cases this past weekend where that happened.

Another important point using a syringe is size and plugger control. We suggest using a 1ml syringe for feeding babies since the volume amount if any plunger pops is small. Big syringes have less control on volume and result in many more aspiration events. Lastly, plunger control, some squirrels will really suck hard and pull the formula out quickly and result in aspiration. Most people think only pushing the plunger to feed but at times, you may need to pull back due to squirrel sucking. Its a balance. Again, this is why a 1ml syringe is safer. We see too many cases of syringe aspiration that results in pneumonia. A/P is a quick killer.

Welcome to squirrel parenting. TSB is here to help you when needed.

MrSSG.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Oh my gosh.... my aunt had two cats pass without cause or explanation. We were at her house. I have no way to know 100 percent if there is poison down nearby but this is suspicious not that you mentioned.

He seems as he is getting better daily in some ways. Idk what long term damage it could have done, please when you can look at the last two videos I posted. If he can get better on love alone he'd have a hell of a chance. We are doing our best, and thank you for just acknowledging that.


Anything I can give him to detox possible poison that won't harm him if that's not the case?

There is no such thing as a universal antidote! One treatment for an acute ingestion of some (but definitely not all) toxins is activated charcoal but if what we are seeing with this Squirrel's current functional issues is secondary to an ingestion of some toxic substance; even if at one time there even was a rationale for use of activated charcoal and a window in time in which it could potentially be beneficial; after so much time has elapsed since the ingestion would have occurred that this is no longer an option and should NOT be attempted!

I would concentrate on protecting this baby Squirrel from injury (or further injury as may be the case), providing nutritional support, hydration (an always available source of pure fresh water, NOT Pedialyte), general care and your love! Time will tell!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[MissyPogo10]

We are so grateful for all of you, I truly hope you guys understand. For now Skippy is living and we will ensure he is offered water with syringe rather than just leaving the option in his enclosure. I will adjust his feed angle as well..

I will monitor him tomorrow and if it changes I Will post. I have a steroid, if one of you that know more than I do can contact me directly please let me know.

I want to let him free but if we get him better and he's not okay in his brain we have a screened heated porch and will just have to figure it out. I'm sorry but I'm not willing to just count him out. He crossed our path because was meant to, so we will try our best.


Thank you all so so much

[supersquirrelgirl]

You are very welcome. Post updates; its always great to see them.

If you can, take another video in daylight when its calm.

MrSSG

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hello,

Checking back to see if you took another video ??